The Tillotsons

Ski Day

2011-12-18T22:23:00.001-08:00

I get tired just looking at these pictures. I have the best (and cutest) ski instructor ever! My cute niece and boyfriend Trent came with us.

A Tillotson Thanksgiving

2011-12-18T21:32:00.000-08:00

I am just now finding the time to get caught up with some blog post. Thanksgiving is old news now but we had such a great time in St.George with family that I thought I better blog about it. We spent almost the whole week down there. The weather also giving us just one more thing to be thankful for. High sixties allowed us to go mountain biking, hiking and even a chance to play volleyball. The food, oh the food! It was great, this year I learned how to stuff a turkey and make the famous onion dressing.

The Woman who makes it all happen, Grandpa Clara

Learning from Uncle Craig how to unicycle

Marte on the left, from Norway living with Matt's Sister Teri and getting the high school experience in America.

Running with Glitter

2011-11-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

I belong to the one and only Running with Glitter crafting group. "Mama said never to run with scissors but she didn't say glitter". (We stole both the name and slogan from another blog.) It's a fun group and sometimes we get a little out of hand whether its the hot glue gun, the glitter tracked all through the house, or crazy amounts of embellishments from the DI. We all take turns hosting a craft and dinner. It's been fun to see every ones style and creative mind. It's my turn next month to host! Yippy!Alisha (on the right) hosted last month. We made count down calendars for Christmas. They were a blast. I still have a few magnets to finish and then I will post a picture.

Flag Football

2011-11-13T21:13:00.001-08:00

Matt has been playing flag football for a number of years now. I watched him a few times at BYU but I haven't watched him play since, until a couple weeks ago. I'm a bad wife. The games are only 45 minutes, so its short and sweet and pretty fun to watch. His team is now in the playoffs. It's pretty serious stuff.

Go Big Red! (haha that's their team name.)

It's Wonderfall!

2011-10-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

all the cute boots
the fun new crafts
chapstick becoming your best friend
the amazing colors and leaves
eating pumpkin everything
turning your fireplace on for the first time
the SMELLS
......AND MYLO XYLOTO!!!! Coldplays new album.

Sounds a little silly??...

We have been on the count down for quite some time now. On our first (blind) date we talked about all our favorites. We found that we were both in love with Coldplay and mildly obsessed. Later Matt surprised with tickets to the concert and its always kind of been a fun thing that we both really enjoy together.

Oakley

2011-10-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Conference weekend we headed up to Oakley with family and friends. My camera died so I only got a few pictures. I was able to document the tank. How many people can say they have ridden on a real army tank? Why there is an army tank in Oakley...no clue???

We love Oakley! The trees and colors were honestly amazing.

Sha la la la la

2011-10-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

Singing in the kitchen doing this...

$10.00 in produce- fresh from the farmers market

Now we can eat fresh fruits and veggies throughout the winter for more than half the price!

I recommend a food processor for a project like this.

Well worth it!

Doing tomatoes next week.

Family Time in the Mountains

2011-09-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

We took a fun camping trip to my grandparents place in the Uintas. We love it up there. It's so pretty and it's been a place where I went a lot growing up. This trip we decided to take a ride up to lilly lake. Also, VERY beautiful. I hope we can keep this tradition going as our own family grows.

Lilly Lake

And the best part: games around the fire with s'mores.

Two

2011-09-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our two years of marriage in Jackson Hole this year. We were with family for part of the weekend and the rest of the time we spent alone together. We got the best of both worlds that weekend. I feel like it was yesterday that we were walking out of the Temple and exchanging hugs with all those who came to support us on our special day. I feel so fortunate to be married to such a great husband, and I am looking forward to many more special anniversaries together.

HA!

Rafting the Snake River.

Backyard Mechanic

2011-09-08T12:01:00.001-07:00

Our cars have really been showing their age this summer. It seems like it has been one thing after another. Matt took it upon himself to learn how to - rebuild a starter, replace muiltiple sensors, and change the break pads and rotors. How might you ask? YOUTUBE. Thank you honey for being so judical in your duty as a husband. You are loved!

WASH

2011-08-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

We just can't get enough of this place! We have been so lucky to go there twice this summer. This time we were able to attend the Kite Festival. I had no idea what to expect. The kites were beautiful and the choreographed kite "dances" were . . . interesting. It's one of those things you have to see in person. I didn't really get a good picture because it was pretty foggy on this particular day, but there were sooo many kites in the air. We had pretty good weather on all of the other days. It's always a little cooler on the Peninsula, but we had some good sun and little rain.

This is Matt flying Derek's power kite on the buggy.

My trusty stead. Not the horse.

This is our favorite bike ride to do. It's near the top of the peninsula at the Leadbetter Park. We start on the bay side and end up on the beach/ocean side. It was pretty intense - like it always is - but this time I was so scared we were going to see a bear and it was starting to get dark. Luckily, no bear this time, but plenty of dangerous tree branches. EEEK!

Climbing up the tree house.

The most amazing 4 wheeling.

And for the best part.... the baby horses! I think this little guys name is Harley.

Matt giving Gizmo a little love.

Lip Licking Yummyness!

2011-08-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

The very few days that we are in town, I have been experimenting with my new cookbook called Our Best Bites. I made these cute egg and ham cups. They are SO easy and SO cute. You can find them at ourbestbites.com. DO IT!!

Happy 100th Lucy!

2011-08-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 100th birthday of my very most favorite actress' birthday! Since I was young have been intrigued by her and of course loved the I Love Lucy show. Happy Birthday Lucy!!!

Harley Rally

2011-07-18T16:17:00.001-07:00

After some convincing on Matt's part, we went on a Harley Ride through Jackson Hole and Yellowstone with our final stop being Montana. I am not a huge fan of motorcycles and I have to admit I was really scared. I was fine once we started going though, and I was able to enjoy myself. The first day we made it to Jackson Hole. The drive was soooo amazing and beautiful. I haven't ever been so it was fun to see it for the first time. I loved the little town and they had the best shopping stores. If it weren't for the men, I could have spent days there just shopping. We saw a lot of wildlife this trip, but it was hard to get a picture on the bikes. I think Jackson will be a regular trip we take from here on out.

Our next stop was Yellowstone. Also beautiful. We found this "little" guy off the side of the road. He wasn't a bit phased by us.

I thought this was a cool photo. I didn't get many photos in Montana, but we had fun riding the horses. I fell (about 9ft) off my horse. I scraped up my hand pretty bad but other than that I was ok. I was pretty shaken up by it all but I guess it could have been worse.

Splish Splash

2011-06-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

This is what I did on my day off. Doesn't get better than laying out by the pool with your nieces and nephew and of course the worlds best Grandma!

Little Red Ridinghood

2011-06-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

In honor of supporting Women's Cancer Research I participated in the 80 mile bike ride called The Little Red Ridinghood. We rode through beautiful Cache Valley. It was such a nice day, couldn't have asked for better weather. I have wanted to do this ride for 3 years but each summer something comes up. I didn't do any training, so there were some difficult parts but for the most part it was really fun. When I got home that evening my mom had white a white snowball arrangement with a congrats card. I had been dying to make one now that they are in bloom. I was quite excited. My mom is cute like that.

Bye Bye Boys

2011-06-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

My brother and his family are off to Texas for the summer so we went and said our goodbyes and helped pack them up. I am really going to miss them... A LOT! They will be back in August but still its a big deal to me. My nephews grow too fast to not see them for 2 1/2 months. I captured some cute footage of Jonah dancing. Every time music comes on he squats and gets groovy. Ah he is so cute!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hello cyber world! Matt here, weighing in with my first blog post in the history of the interwebs. I know these family blog things are typically a female activity, but the blog is RaShae AND Matthew after all, so I figured it only fair that I contribute every now and again. Actually, Shae has no idea I’m on here, and if she did, she would probably yank the computer out of my hands as quickly as possible figuring I was up to no good.

Which is why I am covertly crashing her blog to wish a Happy Mother’s day to all mothers everywhere, especially my own selfless mother and sweet mother-in-law. Equally as important, however, I want to thank the greatest future-mother I know: my wife. One of the best things I’ll ever do for my children, I already did, on August 28, 2009 when I married RaShae. I’ll be sure to remind them of it too. When our munchkins are trying to convince me that I owe them a third annual trip to Disneyland, I’ll just say, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, you guys are the ones that owe ME. I found your mom, and then I somehow convinced her to marry me. How awesome is she! You guys are going to be cleaning your rooms for the rest of your lives to pay me back for that one.” That’ll be my trump card. There’s no way they will be able to refute that. They’ll have such a wonderful mother that they’ll have no choice but to thank me for snagging her for them.

Unfortunately, I really can’t take any of the credit. Shae has been maternal from the womb, if that’s even possible. I think she was carrying around a baby doll before she could walk herself. And after she graduated from dolls, she continued to make the kind of choices and live the kind of life that will bless our children for years to come. Truth be told, I married her for myself; my kids will just be a major benefactor of my selfishness. Her stunning beauty caught my attention, but it was her tenderness, her selflessness, and her dedication to family that sealed the deal for me. These along with all of her other Christ-like qualities continue to be a blessing to me, and I know they will be a major blessing in the lives of our children.

Happy future-mother’s day RaShae. I am so grateful for these two years that I’ve had you all to myself! But I also look forward sharing you with our children, and to the decades to come where we wake you up at the break of dawn with burnt pancakes and sub-par scrambled eggs in bed on this special day. Love, Me.

California Love

2011-05-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law works for jet blue and offered us tickets, so we took them and decided to go to Cali for the weekend. It was a spontaneous trip and somewhat last minute. We decided to make the time we have without children really count. We headed to Disneyland the first day and then followed by San Diego the second day. It brought back a lot of memories going to California and it was fun to make some new ones as well. I really enjoyed the weekend with Matt and not having to worry about anything.

Matt's Dad lives in San Diego so we spent part of the day with him in Coronado. I love this island we did so many fun things l and of course took a tour of Scott and Nancy's(Uncle and Aunt) home there. It was SO SO cute. It makes me want to redecorate my house all nautical. Or just have a beach house :)

La Jolla where we spent the last night. It felt so romantic on the beach, watching the sun set, seeing all the brides taking there pictures and eating our PB&J sandwich.

The Highlights:

~ Riding bikes and rollerblading in Coronado

~ Glenn playing the Harmonica to random people on the beach

~ Disney Dave- KSL half price tickets SUPER SKETCHY!

~ Our Hotel the first night and getting walked in on by the maid

~ The baby Geese, duck and turtle

~ Watching the Laker fans when Dallas beat them at the sports bar and really yummy mahi mahi

~ Indiana Jones Ride

~ People watching in Disneyland

Fuggles

2011-05-04T20:12:00.001-07:00

This is FUGGLES! I get to watch this sweet little girl! She is ten weeks old and just 13 lbs. Her real name is Avery. Her mom does my hair and when she had her I told her I had dibs on babysitting. She is so fun and has such a good disposition. I decided that I wanted to learn how to make some cute headbands so I took her to the store with me and was going to make her some. In the picture above I was trying a flower on for size. I thought it was so precious!

Cramming!

2011-04-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

The Tillotson residence has been very quite these last few days. While I have been busy preparing for my finals, Matt is also preparing for the second CFA test. I only have one final left until I am done with this semester..... then summer semester! I have enjoyed my classes and learned so much. I am finally able to take all the health classes in my program and I am really loving it. I took epidemiology thinking that it would be so boring, but it was my favorite class. If you ever need to know a mortality rate, birth rate, or current epidemics, I am your women. I also took human diseases and it was a tiny bit depressing. But of course learned A LOT!
Matt on the other hand has procrastinated until the very last minute to study for the CFA test. He took the first part of the test just before we got married. Now on to part 2 of the test. The test is June 6th. It is a really intense test with a lot of material. He is a genius and I know it is going to pass it no problem. Given the amount of time we should be spending on studying, we naturally decided to head to California next week to have some fun. We are going to disneyland, and then to San Diego. The last time I went to Disneyland was in 6th grade, so I'm excited! It helps getting me through finals too.

Sunday Hike

2011-04-17T19:25:00.001-07:00

Today was so beautiful! One one the great things I love about 9:00 church is that we have the whole rest of the day to do whatever we want. My dad invited us over for lunch so we ate and then had a little nap.We still had plenty of day light so we decided to take a hike. Every spring we like to do the La Caille trail. It's so fun to see all the new trees, the ducks, the little buds and the hardy fish that made it throughout the winter. We both thought it even smelt like summer today. Ahh....

Feelin It

2011-04-11T22:33:00.001-07:00

Spring has finally sprung and I'm feelin it! :) I have been really busy finishing up the semester but have certainly made time for crafting. I have been baking, gardening, and decorating my little heart out.

My tulips have started to pop out of the ground and I can't even tell you how excited I was when I woke up and saw them. It totally made my day.

This is my first time planting wheat grass. I thought it would be cute to put it in an easter container and try to make it decorative. Currently the seeds are germinating, but within about two weeks we should be able to eat it. To be continued... My cute little niece just celebrated her birthday at the Mayan. Love you Car Sue!I made her a cupcake-cake.Kenzie and I made these cute banners made out of paint chips. So fun and cheap.New wall hangings. Pier 1 is my new favorite store.New rug, also pier 1. (Don't mind my piles of homework).

I have gone cupcake crazy. Happy Spring Everyone! If I have the time and money someday I would really like to go to culinary school. I just love being in the kitchen and exploring different ideas and recipes. That's it, its going on the bucket list.

Costa Rica!

2011-03-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

Where to start?... it was beautiful! It was really fun to get away to somewhere warm, and a place that we both hadn't ever been to. We left and didn't have a clue where we were going to stay or what we were going to do. Matt did a lot of research online before we left so we had some ideas but nothing concrete. We decided to just "go with it" when we got there.

The first night we got there we stayed in a city called Tamarindo.

Zippity zip zip. 11 different zip lines through the mountains. I was so scared. I really don't like heights but after the first one, I was really enjoying myself.

Playa Longosta

We found a bull riding/fair event in a city just outside of where we were staying. It was a little insane watching people get chased by crazy huge bulls. We ate some really nasty fair food, and mostly shopped around at the booths. Hot-in-ready motorcycle delivery.

The waterfall in La Fortuna, incredible! Our rental car, brought MANY laughs!Hot springs in Arenal.

On our way to Arenal, if you look really close you can see the active volcano.All the great wildlife we saw. Monkeys, bull frogs, camel-bull, parrot, crocodile, and gecko. These are just a few.

It was an amazing vacation. Thanks to my hubby for taking me to such a fun and beautiful place. It was just what I needed. Glad to be home and rejuvenated. Now can it be spring already?!

Hap Hap Happy Birthday!

2011-03-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

My honey just turned 26! This year I wanted to get him something that he would really like. I tend to stay away from electronics because Matt has the patience to read, and find great deals. I always find myself giving him clothes. If there ever was a man who could care less about clothes...it would be him. i started shopping early and hit the web trying to find him a video camera. I found one that was HD and had all the latest and greatest but was on sale. I think I did ok, he really likes his video camera and already we have a lot of great videos from Costa Rica.

I love you so much! I am so grateful for the person that you have become in the last 26 years and feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be married to such a stellar man! xoxoThe new shoes.It was also my dads birthday. He turned the big 6-0! We had a surprise party for him but my sister blew it. He just needs to live another 60 years and I'll be so happy!

I've Got Sunshine...

2011-03-11T15:56:00.001-08:00

Costa Rica HERE WE COME!

Current temp: 84

Current water temp: 81

Love it!

2011-03-09T22:14:00.001-08:00

Thank you Hunger Games for helping me get a D on my test today. I just cant seem to put you down!

Jump on It

2011-02-28T22:22:00.000-08:00

I promise I wont blog about every blasted activity we participate in. I am just so excited to be feeling good again that I love being able to do stuff.

As you see we are jumping on many trampolines here. We did a FHE with Matt's family at a place called Airboure. I wasn't so sure about the trampoline jumping because my bladder is a little weak if you know what I mean. Sorry for the nature of the last sentence, but its true. Dispite my lack of bodily fluid control... THIS PLACE ROCKS. It was a really good workout. There are like 30 or more tramps and we played dodge ball, tag, add-on, all kinds of fun games. This place it a must. Great place to go with a group.

We went to La Callie for desert one night with Derek and M'kenzie (our cousins.) It was my first time ever going there and I was overwhelmed with my chocolate cake, creme brulee, and beignet. Very tasty and beautiful place.

I took my little nephews to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point. They both loved it. I just love hanging out with them. I am constantly laughing at something they say or do. I sure learned a lot about all the different types of dinosaurs. Exciting place to go if you haven't ever been.

The Pow Pow

2011-02-24T18:44:00.001-08:00

I have been wanting to go skiing now for quite some time. So for the first time this season we found the time to go on President's day. It was a great day and lots of good snow. When I was really little my brother would take me skiing, but as I got a little older I wanted to snowboard. That's what I did until I met Matt. If you don't know, Matt is an amazing skier. I love watching him in his element. I didn't get any videos of him (because I would FOR SURE crash) but we got one of me... lets just say Matt didn't fall in love with me because of my skiing abilities.

We also said "goodbye" to our cousin Blake. He is heading to Argentina for a few months to open Nu Skin there. We went to Sushi at Tsunami and I would have to say that might be one of my favorite places to eat. It was dang good! Blake and Sami are now engaged and we are really excited for them. Married life is truly the greatest!

St. George Trip

2011-02-20T20:22:00.001-08:00

We took a trip down to St. George with my mom this past weekend. We went for not only the good weather but the Parade of Homes. My mom and I love doing this every year. We enjoy dreaming about "if one day I had a house like this". We also like to get some good ideas from the home decor. This year they had some amazing homes. I took a few pictures and of course they don't do it justice but you can get an idea.

Little canoe ride in the pond.Grandma got a new puppy, she such an adorable puppy. I wanted to take her home with me.

I loved these HUGE windows in this house. It had such a pretty view and also looked into the backyard that had a pool, hot tub, mini-golf, and fire pit.

I wouldn't mind this closet.

How about this for a dinning room?

I have a lot more picture but I don't want to bore anyone with too many. I would reccommend the Parade of Homes in St. George. It was nice to get away and spend some time with the family. Great trip!

Proud Auntie

2011-02-11T08:31:00.001-08:00

This is our little nephew Preston, who just got baptized! It was such a nice day and I am sure its one he will never forget. Way to go Bud!

Giving the thumbs up, yay!

Latest and Greatest

2011-01-31T22:03:00.000-08:00

We took a weekend trip to Montana. Like always, we had such a great time. Neither of us have been there in the winter, so it was fun to experience that environment. I am not a big snowmobiler because honestly I am half scared and the other half I just don't see the fun in it. Anyway, it was the best snowmobile ride I have been on. It was a day trip to a ghost town, and then to a cool lodge in the middle of nowhere with a quick dip in the hot springs. It was fun to have a destination and somewhere to warm up. Uncle Scott had unisuits that made all the difference in staying warm. I never got cold and at times got too hot. That's unusual for me. Great trip all around and we even got to see a really cool moose! Getting ready to head out
The sweetest little puppy, Maverick
Beautiful Montana

Scoot, Nancy, me, Matt, Blake, Sami

Happy Birthday to my sweet and not so little anymore niece Cambree! Can't believe your 16! I love you and want to kill every boy that ever touches you.

Seriously, these cookies are to die for!!!! Easy too:

1 Devils food cake mix

2 eggs

1/3 c oil

Candy Rolos

(sugar to roll in)

Bake at 350 for 8-9 minutes

Form dough around individual Rolos

Roll cookies in sugar and place on baking sheet.

Simple.

Amazing.

2011-01-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

I know its only January and Mothers day is still four months aways but.... My mom is amazing! She is such a stellar woman! When I was sick she came and brought us dinner, cleaned our house, did the laundry, ran errands for us, and I can't even imagine all the praying she does on my behalf. Besides those few things she has recently done, she continues to serve and show love in countless ways. My mom is single, her and my dad were divorced about 3 years ago. I can't believe how courageous and brave she has been in those last 3 years. She hasn't always been given the best/easiest playing cards, but she always manages to play her cards well. I attribute much of my learning, and attitudes from my mom. I love living so close to her right now. I can't say enough about her, " She is the bomb" (little inside joke). I love you. Hugs. kisses.

My Dear Mother on Mothers day.

It just wouldn't be right if I didn't mention the worlds best mother-in-law! I have two great moms in my life. I honestly adore Jody. She has taken me in as her own and been there for me in so many different ways. She is always watching out for us, sometimes I have to be careful about what I say around her because if I mention we need a card table the next thing I know she is dropping it off. I even mentioned needing to buy milk and she sent us home with her hormone free Winder milk. She always does the best with what she has and never complains. Her positive attitude is something I wish to inherit. Thanks for all you do! Muah! xoxo

The Gardens at Thanksgiving Point

A Family is Forever

2011-01-09T21:51:00.000-08:00

I love my family! I really have the most amazing people in my life. I am so thankful for those who have shown their love, concern, and compassion. When we returned home from the hospital I found my kitchen table full of flowers, and cards. Also we had many text and voicemails. We both felt so much peace and comfort. Thanks to all those who have brought us dinner this last week, and everyone who prayed for us. We know that life is about trials and it is what we make of them that either makes us stronger or weakens us.

The recovery was supposed to be relatively quick but I lost so much blood during surgery I couldn't stand without fainting therefore, I spent the night in the hospital with my love. I have a really low hemocruit and super low blood pressure causing the fainting. I am supposed to stay in bed for two weeks and then slowly get back to normal activities. It takes your body about that long to start building red blood cells and it will take about two months to make all the blood I lost. I barley missed a blood transfusion and I am sooo glad! I am just so happy to be alive and going through something like that really makes you have a different perspective on life. I hope I will be able to reflect back on this experience throughout my life.

Matt has decided its time for us to get away and surprised me with a trip. We are in the processes of planning now. We are heading out for an adventure in Costa Rica. I can't wait to get out of this smoggy dungeon and to a warm sunny beach. Just kidding about the dungeon I actually really have enjoyed the winter so far. Can't wait to get on the slopes again!

7-11-11

2010-12-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

After weeks of morning (all day) sickness, I am starting to feel human again and ready to let the whole wide world know we are expecting our first baby! We are so excited and can't wait to be a family of three! I am having the hardest time writing our first post about our baby. I keep thinking it needs to be some magificent piece of litterary art. I still can't believe that I am growing a little human. Just last week we got to see our doctor. He was trying to show us the heart beat on the ultrasound but it was hard to see and the little one was only the size of a rasberry that day. Now he or she is one inch long! We told our families on Thanksgiving. We had all the nieces and nephews open up a big box and inside was a onesie which said "You'r new baby cousin arrives July 2011". The older kids got excited but one of my nephews looked at me really mad and said "Shae, where is the motorcycle?" He thought it was getting some fancy toy but instead he is getting something much better, he just doesn't know it yet. The different oneies to let everyone know the exciting news!

Jaden, on the left was the one who was mad, his birhtday is on the 15th and we got him a motorcyle of course.

Happy Holidays!

2010-11-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

I CANNOT tell you how excited I am for Christmas this year. I don't really know why, maybe the fact that we get to celebrate Christ all month long, maybe its the beautiful lights, the music or the many family gatherings. It's all those! I love Christmas. I usually try to wait until Thanksgiving to listen to Christmas music and to put up the tree but, I figured whats two weeks early?! It just felt right. I have a few things I really want to do this year for Christmas.

1. Volunteer at the Food Bank (One year Matt and I did this and it was so incredible and very touching, I would recommend it during the holidays.)

2. Have a Christmas party for the "young married" couples in our ward so we can get to know everyone better.

3. Do the twelve days of Christmas for someone in need.

Although these few events seem so easy it's really hard to fit everything in during the holidays.

I also have a few traditions I would like to start with my cute little family. Does anyone have any really fun traditions they would like to share?

PS Do you like how the TV is on in the pic, it was a super intense Jazz game!

Thank You!

2010-11-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say thanks to all the people who read my blog and who let me read theirs. I really love hearing about your life and what your recent thoughts or activities might be. I feel like my blog posts aren't always that interesting for others to read but apparently there are still many who continue to read them anyway. Thanks Everyone!

Jazzy Game

2010-11-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

We all went to the Jazz game last night and it was a lot of fun because we haven't hung out with friends in a while. It seems like school started we haven't been able to do much and everyone else is busy with their own lives. it was nice to get out and do something fun with friends. We sure do miss all our wonderful friends that are now scattered throughout the States. We were all talking about doing a big Christmas party... and speaking of Christmas I put up my Christmas tree up. I was given a big beautiful tree and I really wanted to set it up just to see what it would look like and if it even worked. Sure enough it looks wonderful. I guess I'll wait to put the decorations on until after Thanksgiving or just take it down. This was more of Matt's idea of leaving it up so he doesn't have to take it down and put it up a second time. Can't wait for Christmas! Only 51 Days!

Bye Bye Bambi

2010-10-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Since it's deer hunting season and all I thought it was only appropriate to blog about the good old days huntin' with my dad and brothers. I have been hunting with my dad since I was just two months old. I was born and raised a hunter. Haha, not really. I have a lot of fond memories hunting but there are a few that still make my gut hurt from laughter. Hunting is where I grew to love horses, how come I despise the cold, its the reason for my love of wildlife and nature, why I can appreciate good beef jerky, why I can't stand mosquito's and, last why I can smile every time I see a redneck. Hunting was a really fun tradition growing up, but probably won't be one we do with our family. Matt isn't a big hunter. My brother asked Matt go with him rabbit hunting last winter and Matt told me before he left he was only going to shoot one and that he didn't even want to shoot it. We differ there. My dad always told me that he had going to make a hunter and a cowboy out of my boys. Yikes. Not so sure about that. This is rabbit hunting when I wanted to be like my brothers and take my shirt off with them. eeek!My dad shot this Elk and it hung in our house. I named him Luke.

My dad isn't able to shoot a gun all that well anymore because of his accident but he will always be the worlds best hunter in my mind and the greatest dad that taught me how to be a redneck!

Too Many Creepers!

2010-10-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

We are going into hiding and making our blog private. Blame the people in Vietnam, blame it on the motherly instinct, whatever. So, if you are a friend of ours please send us your email because we love you and don't think you are creepy.

Wish we could stay in Long Beach longer!

2010-10-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

We ain't talkin' no California here, but the one and only Long Beach, Washington. Soooo incredible and something so unique and nothing like anything I have ever experienced. This was my first time and Matt hadn't been there for several years. I had heard so many stories and a lot great things about this place so I was over the top excited about going. It was great weather, a lot of sunshine which was good because it was a little cold and windy at times. It was a good break from school and work. I was even able to cross a few things off on the bucket list. Wahoo! Pictures just don't do it justice but I tried to capture all I could. Thanks to Derek, M'kenzie, Teri and Dave for such a great trip!

The first few pictures are just so you can get a feel for the place, the picture above of the ship was our room, this is where we stayed during the trip. Fun to have slept in a real boat!

Clamming on the beach, it's not clam season so we didn't catch much. We did find a lot of sand dollars and crabs though. It was a lot of fun just walking on the beach and finding all kinds of treasures.

Before we left Matt told me all about the bears. I was sure I would see a bear. Matt hasn't ever been and not seen a bear. I was really concerned about it for the first little while. Day 1 went by and no bear, day 2 went on and no bear. I then started to doubt we would see a bear. Then we found some tracks, we also found a lot of bear poop. I took pictures just in case I didn't see a bear. Sure enough, no bear in all 6 days. It was a bittersweet. Instead I saw a dead sea lion, he was pretty cool.

We took the boat out to the island. It was also an adventure.

This is us at the top of the tree house. One night late we sat on the bridge and tried to spot some animals. All we heard was a dying goose. But it was still really fun, and I felt so darn adventurous.

This is my man on a very studly horse (Buck), very fun riding the horses on the beach.

My Hero

2010-10-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Alright I know this is going to sound sooo cheesy, and if you get nauseated easily or even have a strong gag reflex you may want to stop now. I warned you....but I just have to publicly thank my wonderful husband. Last week he worked long days and nights so we could go on our vacation we have planned for this week. One night he was even up until 2 AM. He really works so hard. Everyone at his work just loves him and looks up to him. I do as well and I know many in our family do to. I couldn't have picked a better companion. Really! He has made me a much better person in so many ways. I feel so blessed and so lucky to have him. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I admire him for his tremendous selflessness and desire to always improve. Words will never express how I feel for you but thanks for making me smile and always making my load a little easier. I want him to know how much I LOVE him! Thank you, thank you!!! I ♥ You!

Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication

2010-10-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am actually sad conference is over. I thought it was absolutely wonderful. I love waking up and staying in my cozy pj's all day. I am just so grateful that we get to hear inspired words from our prophet and apostles. I feel there is always so much info and things I want to remember, thanks to my new app that I have on my phone I can now listen to them as I drive to school. My favorite talks were Elder Uchtdorf's talk on Saturday morning, and President Monsons talk on gratitude. They were all good in their own ways, but these two really stuck out to me. I also REALLY love FALL! We went on a beautiful horse back ride today and all the trees were soo pretty. I love everything about Fall. Pumpkin bread, the cute decor, the smell..ooo the smell of pumpkin spice and mulled cider. (If you are looking for a good smelling candle for fall, go to Wal-Mart they honestly have the best candles and they are only 3 dollars.) I feel so domestic and want to cook something new everyday. I have a really great and super easy tomato soup recipe for fall:

1 can/bottle Classico (tomato basil)
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp garlic salt

2 C heavy whipping cream (seems like a lot of fat to me so sometimes I will only do 1 1/2 cup and the rest milk)

Rice- cook rice and then when ready to serve add a 1/2 C to each serving ( I have tried white and brown rice and they are both good)

Optional fresh basil to top

This is one of our favorites I hope you like it if you try it! Happy Fall!

I thought this was a cute picture

Getting Dirty!

2010-09-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

Another birthday gift I forgot to mention. Matt signed us up for a race, not just any old race but the Dirty Dash 10K. I didn't think much of it at first and I thought how bad could it be? Well, we got there and you couldn't really see the course, so I'm still feeling great. Then as we get ready to start we see the HUGE hill we have to run covered in mud. I was still confident at this point but then the hills never stopped, for about the first 2 miles we ran mostly uphill. Not to mention it was like 92 degrees! That was the hardest part, once we got past the hills I knew I was ok. Then the fun started with all the obstacles. I would totally tell anyone to do it, just train a little before you do anything crazy.

Now this is one good looking team! Blake, Sami, Matt, Me, Austin! Go Team 44!

22...seems so old!

2010-09-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Just had my 22nd birthday. It was strange, for some reason 22 seems so old. It was a week long celebration. I had a wonderful birthday, I can honestly say that this year was one of my favorites. I have such amazing friends and family who made my day so great. Thanks everyone. I wanted to post a few pictures so everyone could get the full effect.My dad bought this cake for me and made me dinner, he made the worlds best steaks, with fresh veggies. One of my favorite meals.
These are my favorite presents, an underwater camera, punch bowl, running shoes, and a cute decor item for fall.
This isn't just special because it was my borthday but the fair was our first date. We have tried to make it a tradition to go every year.

My beautiful sister and I on my birthday.

1 Year Down and Forever to GO!

2010-09-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our one year anniversary in Park City. Neither of us have actually been on vacation there; living in Utah your whole life and not spending much time in PC is a little strange but hey its never too late. On the way up there I got a little too excited to show Matt his gift so we opened up our presents in the car. (I loved my gift sweetie, thanks.) We ate at the eating establishment on main street and I ate one of the best breakfasts' I've ever had. Then we went on the coaster and the Alpine slide. Later we went shopping at the outlets and then went to The Red Banjo for dinner. I would recommend this place too, the food was wonderful. We had a very fun and romantic weekend. Looking forward to many more anniversaries to come. Dinner at Red Banjo, YUM
LOVE my flowers!

What a gentlemen carrying my slider thingy

Our cake!... it didn't taste too good but it sure looked cute.

Going on the coaster, as you can see it was a beautiful day!

Buckhorn Ranch

2010-09-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we got to welcome in fall on a beautiful horseback by Currant Creek River. The Rick's were so generous to let us come up and see their property, feed us, and let us explore their 6,000 acres on horses. It was a fun filled weekend and we really enjoyed it up there. Aunt Joyce is probably one of the best cooks I have ever known. One meal we had home made lasagna, fresh veggies and fruit, homemade bread sticks, with homemade ice cream for desert. That woman can cook! Not to mention decorate!

This is their horse Tinkerbell, such a sweet baby horse...zzzzzz

Canoing in the pond, right after this picture we saw the biggest Elk I have ever seen in my entire life.

This is what I mean by decorate, I love the bedspreads!

Yes, I did! All by myself!

Good Times in Oakley!

2010-08-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

This summer has been packed with many fun things, adventures, and A LOT of horseback riding. We took the horses up to the Oakley cabin for the summer so we have been able to go up there quite a few times. The more and more I go up there I want to live in the country someday. One Matt's favorite things in Oakley is the smell. The air smells so fresh. I love the wildlife, the big moose, fox, deer and bobcat. Me and my mom in front of the Cabin. It had just rained before we took this picture and it was absolutely beautiful! Everything was so green and fresh! This was early summer when Nina and Shawn helped us take the horses up to Oakley. I need to be honest, this trip was brutal. We got a late start so we were trying to hurry, well Shade (the baby horse) wouldn't get in the horse trailer. She ended up falling on a car and doing some damage and by the time we got to Oakley is was dark. Thanks Nina and Shawn for coming along!Preston with Frosty. True Cowboy right there!

All four of us in a two man tent! Woot! The flash was far too bright to look at so we all closed our eyes for this pic. We rode the horses up the canyon and made a camp. Derek and M'kenzie made a great dinner. Thanks guys!

Horseback riding with Ali and Brian. It was their Anniversary but they still met us up there and came along. We felt so special! It was such a beautiful ride.

We took Grandma and Grandpa Nyberg to see the horses one evening and they got a little cold so we let them wear the slickers, dont they look so cute!?

5th Annual Bear Lake Vacation

2010-08-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

It's what we all look forward to each year. Each year we usually have themed nights, this year we had one big carnival. My mom and sister go all out, they had a face painting/tattoo booth, "bobbing for ducks", ring toss, and relay games. My favorite part of the trip is playing games together at night. Let me give you a little background. We have been renting a condo at the Sweet Water Resort for 5 years now, it sleeps 6-8. We have 17 family members, we all manage to squeeze in there. Despite the nasty shag carpet and the 1960 decor; well WE LOVE IT! So image all 17 of us playing black magic and the name game! Ha, it gets pretty intense. Another great trip and more memories to add to the book! Thanks Mom!

Us Modeling our new t-shirts we just made. "17" in memory of each family member.

Here goes Cam in the Relay race!

It's the Simple Things in Life

2010-07-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

You know when you think something is so great and then you tell someone about it and they aren't nearly as excited, well I came home one day and my tomato plant had one red tomato. I was so happy about it but nobody else seemed to think it was that great. I am so happy about it, I'm even going to blog about it and a few other "things" that just are so simple but really made me smile!
Now its in my tummy and it sure was tasty. Next year we are going to grow a huge ole garden!

Skinny and Fatty (great names huh) the newest members to our family. I caught them right here in our backyard. We catch bugs every night for them to eat.

This picture needs to be enlarged but its a really pretty fox in the meadow in Oakley. Love love love watching wildlife!

Hillbilly Bar-B Ranch

2010-07-07T13:34:00.001-07:00

Another year at the BAR-B Ranch! Never seems to disappoint, from the carnival to a demolition derby, 5K, canoing, swimming and the worlds best rodeo! The activities never end. The competition is out of this world. I have never felt the pressure so bad to win. We have been going to the ranch in Promise, Oregon now for 3 years. The theme this year was "white trash". I would like to say this was the best year yet but that's only because I won my first belt buckle. Every year is just insane fun but winning the buckle felt good. We won the Ma' and Pa' relay race, and we didn't just win we killed it winning by 8 seconds! We are so glad Aunt Sandy is so kind to invite us and let us experience the fun and create so many great memories.

Just after winning the belt buckle! Look at that thang shine!

Getting ready for barrel racing, not the best run but it was a great effort on a horse that wouldn't begin to listen. Good Job babe.

The food..... oh the food at the ranch is some good eatin. Candi's crew doesn't mess around when it comes to meals.

Collecting our winning from the cash cow. $$$$

Hanging out like cowboy's do on the fence.

This was the car we helped decorate and then Derek drove this baby into the ground.

Bobbing for apples. In memory of all those white trash haircuts.

All I Wanted Was A Sandwich

2010-06-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

First time ever fainting! I took a good hard fall two weeks ago in Quiznos of all places. I felt like I was going to throw-up and the next thing I knew I was on the ground. I had to be rushed to the hospital and while I was in the ER they took many test including and EKG and a Kat scan. Everything looked really good so they sent me home the same day. The doctor said sometimes healthy people faint.... (I don't know if I buy that so I will be going to my doctor for some more testing). I haven't fainted again since and hopefully I never will. Michelle and Monte were my lifesavers at Quiznos, they helped me understand what happened and made sure 911 was called immediately after I fainted. I am so glad there are such wonderful people in this world!

Doctor Teasley in Park City sewed my head back together. He did such an amazing job! I still have most of my eyebrow and the scar isn't even bad.

Day two! As good as new!

First You Take the Mallo....

2010-06-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

I thought I would blog about the best s'more I have ever eaten in my life! Matt found these cookies that were covered in chocolate! Unbelievably good! I having been craving them ever since we went to the Uinta's a couple weeks ago. I love the Uinta's... even more than the s'mores and that is saying something. After my dad's accident, the summer that followed, my mom and dad made the Uinta's our little get-a-way. This last time I went to the Uinta's it meant a lot more to me than it ever has before. As I looked at my name in the tree's and all my families names, I felt so lucky for a mom and dad that gave everything they had to making our family so awesome. I have so many great memories in a small little trailer and a fire pit. Thanks to my mom and dadfor establishing the tradition that I can carry on and still enjoy. Lets not forget Grandpa Roark. I love you and miss you but think about you lots.

This is what we call a S'MORE We took the "shortcut" way through coalville. It was so beautiful. We also saw really cute baby lambs. They were so fuzzy I wanted to just take one home. It wouldn't be my first time.

We Be Pirates....ARRRG

2010-06-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

Looking good babe! Your such a good wake boarder, even with your hurt shoulder!Way Cool.

107 degree this day.... ya HOT!

Go Jason go go go Jason!

The Little guy loves the water, nephew Jonah

After our train ride down the slide, it was so intense!

Nina, me, Madeline, and Bailey! :)

Last weekend we were able to get a special invite to Pirates Cove. Before we headed out we checked the weather for Boulder, it was going to be 107 degrees! Yup, the weather report was right it was quite toasty. In my book it was perfect but I'm not normal when it comes to body temperature. Lake Mead was as beautiful as ever and warm too! Boating was incredible. I love love love love Boating! Nina and Shawn came with us along with Stew and Courtney. We had such a great time. Big thanks to Uncle Craig!

Moab Rendezvous

2010-05-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

I have lived in Utah for almost 22 years now and I haven't ever seen the delicate arch. Thanks to Nina and Shawn they so kindly let us stay with them in their lovely condo. We were really happy to see the sun and to feel its warmth with all the rain and snow we have been getting in SLC. It was fun to create memories with friends and to get out an explore the great state of Utah!

Delicate Arch in all its beauty

It was a little, well more like REALLY windy!

Hey stud muffin!

Nina and I didn't want to walk down the infested leach water so we just took picture on the rocks

Eating dinner at Moab Brewery

The Gang

Joey took us to a fabulous waterfall and natural water slide. Only took us a few U turns and getting pulled over by a cop for looking like drunk drivers.

Just so happy!

The Adventure Continues

2010-05-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Here a some pictures we wanted to share with you from our Cruise. It was such a blast!

First Formal night. I love to dress up every now again. And the food at this place was out of this world... so yummy!

This is a beach in Jamaica. For some reason I didn't think Jamaica would have so many mountains and such fabulous beaches. I was pleasantly surprised.

Snorkeling in Grand Caymen.

On our adventure at our first stop in Cozumel

I will learn how to do this before I die

Matt flexing....whats new :)

Haiti was a really humbling experience. We bought from bracelets from these guys and asked to take a picture with them, they were so excited to see themselves on the camera after we took the picture.

Our Housekeeper was so good to us, and not to mention her rockin ability to make animals out of towels.

Guess What!

2010-05-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

We're going on a Cruise in 2 Days! Western Caribbean here we come. Can't wait to feel the hot sun on my skin, I am so ready for some warm weather! Thanks Ken and Jody!

Horse Training 101

2010-05-04T20:51:00.001-07:00

This is where we picked up our cute little Zara.We brushed her all up so she actually looks like a Palomino now.

She did great, all good experiences today. We brushed her no problem and put a saddle on her, without any issues at all. She even let us take take a ride on her (this is still the first day of training).We thought the bridal would do her in, but no, turns out she doesn't mind that either. In just 40 minutes she was letting us get on her and ride her with the reigns. I don't know if that is normal but that's my kind of horse!

Cowboys Like Us

2010-04-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

It all started with a sugar bet. We both agreed that we wouldn't eat sugar for as long as possible, and the first person to give in had to give the other 100 buckaroos to spend on whatever they wanted. It was HARD; I am so addicted to sugar. I lasted 2 months and totally gave it up on some stupid sample of chocolate at the "What Women Want Expo". I felt bad but I was so hungry. I tried to make excuses but Matt jumped on it and bought a horse before I could say much. He is so proud of his little horse. I had no part in this decision (not after the last animal experience), but I'm excited cause Matt is, and I think it will be fun to train and work with the horse. She is starting to shed her winter coat so thats why she looks a little straggly but she will be the color thats on her back leg/butt. She is also only 2, so she is still growing. We named her Zara.

The guy we bought our horse from has blood hounds that he raises and he let us hold one of the puppies only a few days old here. So tiny, I haven't ever held such a tiny little thing. It still couldn't even open its eyes.

Easter Festivities

2010-04-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Joe, looking good! We had the pleasure of riding down to St. George with Glenn. We stopped in Fillmore to visit Grandpa Joe. He told us some great stories of Glenn and made us laugh numerous times. Sadie (Grandpa's dog) made sure to watch Grandpa like a hawk the whole time we were there. Was a great visit!

Matt just loves Jonah, he is such a baby hog! Every time I get to hold him Matt rushes over and scoops him right up. We love our sweet little nephew Jonah, he is getting so big. As you can see he is chewing on his fingers, getting ready to grow some teeth. Matt going to be such a great dad. I hope we get a few boys so he can do all the things he has planned to do, for example he always talks about having a ranch and his boys will help him break horses and raise chickens, oh and don't forget he plans on stomping in plenty of mud puddles. Love you sweetie!

This year we got to have Easter at our house. We had a great lunch and mom made her yummy cheesy potatoes! The kids always make the holidays so much fun. Berklee and Jaden were hilarious during the Easter egg hunt. Preston totally out smarted the hunting, we got a good laugh out of that too.

READY...GET SET... GO!!!!

2010-02-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy lately, I haven't had a minute to blog. I should really be studying right now for the two test I have but I seem to always find other things more important. Well here is the latest but not in any particular order. This past weekend we spent the night in Deer Valley with our cousins Derek and M'kenzie. We ate at one of our favorite places in Park City called Davanaz. We then hit the slopes on sleds. I always seem to forget the intensity of the activity, but boy it sure is fun. We also got to go with Blake and Sammi to the Nascar race track. I thought for sure I was going to die when I saw how fast those cars went. To my surprise I took second in the fastest lap, just right behind my hubby. I was only half a second away from his. We also went to see Avaitar 3D. We both thought it was a good movie. I still think I have other favorites but it was really well put together and creative. Last of all, we took a trip to St. George with Nina and Shawn. Even though it was still just as cold as SLC, we still had a blast, hiking, biking, swimming, and watching movies and hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa. This is a really random post, I'm sorry I just have so much to say but not enough time to blog about it all.

Surf's up!

2010-01-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

Listening to my instructions

I love the concentration face.

Wipe Out!

This Martin Luther King Day was a blast! We both had the day off and were able to spend the night in Aunt Sandie’s Cozy Cabin, in Diamond Fork with Derek and M’Kenzie. The next day we went on a major adventure snowmobiling. It was pretty intense but with Matt and Derek you can’t expect anything less than that. We then went to the Rooney’s house and got to play on their artificial wave. It was SO MUCH fun. It took a little getting used to at first but eventually I got the hang of it. You can’t even believe how fast that wave will whip you up and away. It was incredible. By the time we got home I was exhausted. This will be a Martin Luther King Day to remember.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to spend New Years in Oakley at Uncle Craig's Cabin. We had a fabulous Italian dinner and a pretty awesome firework show. 2009 brought us much happiness and we cant complain much. We were engaged, then married just two months later, took a fun trip to Mexico on our honeymoon, we bought a house, Matt has been successful in his work, and I am getting closer and closer to graduating! Thank You 2009! Can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for us.

Home for the Holidays

2009-12-21T21:59:00.000-08:00

So we dont know what to do with the mirror but our dinning table, we are pretty proud of!

Our very own house! We have now lived in our house for 6 weeks. It was a blast to spend Christmas together this year. I have had such a fun time decorating for Christmas! Most of our decorations are my moms old ones but thats alright we still made it work.

"Moved into our house, its great"- says Matt
I just asked him what he would like to say about our house and thats what I got. He is a man of many words, especially when on the laptop. I also think our house is awesome! I love our huge walk in closet and kitchen.

Hitched!

2009-10-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

I had to have a tent with lights, it was the one thing that I just HAD to have. It looked so pretty!

Dancing with my dad was something I wont ever forget. He was so nervous and so was I, but we held each other so tight dancing to our song. I have the best dad in the world! He is truly the strongest person I know. I love you daddy!Matt was so excited to have an ice cream machine at our wedding. He searched online for many many hours trying to find one to buy. Finally we found one just days before the wedding. We still have the machine if your wanting to have an ice cream party.I have been looking forward to setting up a blog now that we're married, the only problem... well I have no idea how this puppy works. I am slowly learning. We were married on August 28th, 2009. It was AMAZING! Thanks so many wonderful helpers were were able to pull it off. Everything was perfect and even better than how I had dreamed since I was three years old. It has been a wonderful two months. Our honeymoon was the greatest; we spent a week in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. We had many fun adventures and came back with a fabulous tan and lots of good memories. We also just bought a house here in South Jordan, it will be done on the 10th of November. Life is wonderful but being married is even better. Love it!